Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Suddenly, in an instant, in next to no time: Refers to something happening very quickly, abruptly, and often unexpectedly, emphasizing the briefness of the moment in which a change occurs.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Bao nhiêu điều lo lắng bỗng chốc tiêu tan hết. (All worries were dispelled in next to no time.)
  • Không thể bỗng chốc mà có ngay cái đó được. (One can't get that overnight / in an instant.)
  • Cơn mưa bỗng chốc ập xuống. (The rain suddenly poured down.)
  • Cảnh vật bỗng chốc thay đổi. (The scenery changed in an instant.)

Advanced Usage

• "bỗng chốc" vs. "bỗng nhiên": While both mean "suddenly," "bỗng chốc" more strongly emphasizes the extreme brevity and immediacy of the moment ("in a flash"), whereas "bỗng nhiên" focuses more on the unexpected nature of the event.
  • Anh ấy bỗng chốc biến mất. (He vanished in a flash.)
  • Anh ấy bỗng nhiên xuất hiện. (He suddenly appeared.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bỗng (adv): Suddenly, abruptly. A shorter form with similar meaning.

  • Trời bỗng tối sầm. (The sky suddenly darkened.)

• Chốc lát (n): A short moment, an instant.

  • Chờ tôi một chốc lát. (Wait for me a moment.)

Synonyms

• Suddenly: Happening quickly and without warning.
• In an instant: Occurring in a very short period of time.
• All of a sudden: Used to emphasize the suddenness of an event.

Related Idioms

• Bỗng chốc hóa thành mây khói: To vanish into thin air in an instant; to disappear suddenly and completely.
  • Giấc mơ của anh ta bỗng chốc hóa thành mây khói. (His dream vanished into thin air in an instant.)

1. Shortly, in next to no time
   • bao nhiêu điều lo lắng bỗng chốc tiêu tan hết
     all worries were dispelled in next to no time
   • không thể bỗng chốc mà có ngay cái đó được
     one can't get that overnight